Reviving the Past | A Sleek Update for a 1930s Vintage Dresser

Join Katie Scott as she undertakes the journey of breathing new life into a classic Depression-era dresser that's seen better days. With a mix of veneers, solid woods, and some serious wear and tear, this piece was begging for a transformation. This is a step-by-step walk through of the process of turning a vintage gem into a modern marvel. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a vintage furniture lover, this makeover is packed with tips, tricks, and a satisfying reveal you won't want to miss!
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+Surf Prep 3x4 Electric Ray Sander
+150 & 400 Grit Sandpapers and Squishy Foam Interface Pad
+Shop Vac bit.ly/3TOPLRO
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+Gravity Fed HVLP Pneumatic Spray Gun geni.us/Gravit...
+Paper Paint Filter geni.us/PaperP...
+Fusion Mineral Paint in “Coal Black” geni.us/FMPCoa...
+Varathane Diamond Wood Finish in “Satin” geni.us/Varath...
+WD-40 geni.us/WD40Spray
+Wise Owl Furniture Salve & Wax Brush
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[@tjholtz9860]

You have made this tired old lady absolutely regal!! The black is perfect. A real stunner.

[@clairewright8153]

Totally agree. And the new hardware is the icing on the cake.

[@veronicahartman1751]

New subbie after watching you transform that piece.

[@janetboette7013]

Never underestimate the power of a little black dress! She's beautiful and someone will love her again!

[@sandyprather9133]

totally agree!!!

[@elizabethohare1366]

The black is absolutely the perfect color.

[@maryperner9625]

Agreed.

[@victorialove9104]

Yes!❤

[@kathyl5610]

Absolutely!

[@kathyaldridge7171]

You do beautiful work! I will be sure to follow your methods and recommended products on any future products. Thank you for sharing your expertise! You're the best!!

[@NewLeaf-t7s]

I agree, the color is perfect.

[@RoySmith-nz2qk]

Not everyone can spray paint as beautifully as you. Kudos 😊. It is beautiful 😊!!!!!!

[@andreasharp2135]

Painting the dresser black was definitely the best decision and the knobs are perfect 🤩

[@naricewoolon3248]

My brother who is now in his 70's said to really do a good job he put himself through dance groups to become a good spray painter. If you can close your eyes and sway then add a step then pretend your spraying. Anyway this is just what he told me cheers❤❤

[@abigailhamiltonactor]

Dear Katie, I generally don't care for painted finishes, but, as you demonstrated, this piece is made from so many types of wood under that tragic veneer, that its only saving grace is its sturdy condition. That earned it a second chance, and You truly gave it that chance, so, well done, for changing my mind; thanks!

[@vaderladyl]

A new veneer could have saved it, but I guess that is out of the expertise.

[@stbam1965]

I see some ppl that get real mad over painted furniture. I don't know why. It's not like you are taking their table from their house and painting it.

[@serendipitous_discoveries]

Looks gorgeous! I was about to say to avoid painting furniture, but then I realized I have several pieces I love that are painted 😅

[@helentaylor7132]

@@stbam1965 I get real mad when a good or high-end antique piece is ruined by someone with a momentary uneducated (about the item) whim to paint it, especially if solid wood (certain veneers). This lady gave this particular piece a new life and could explain why. Hopefully, antiques will be popular again one day. But they're often heavy and the idea is to keep them "forever," which can be a problem for those who move often and want to switch everything out every few years. I get it--get cheaper new stuff, don't have to take much care of it, and dump it for something new! Rinse and repeat.

[@armelleaymonin8907]

Good job! Very nice black. Bravo!

[@tarahall8680]

Thank you for not going pink! The black was the perfect choice; I LOVE this piece. I appreciate you sharing your thought process as you work. Really enjoy your channel, thank you for all you do.

[@jennlizzy2019]

A classic black NEVER gets dated. I liked hearing your little inner story you created for this piece. Beautiful work.

[@helentaylor7132]

I must have missed her "little inner story." I heard her explain why she decided this piece should be painted and not restored and then show how she's doing it. That she considered pink first was intriguing and would have been lovely, but yeah, the black came out with a lovely patina. Katie is very detail-oriented and confident, which you need to be for this lovely result.

[@maryd9869]

I have this exact model as a suite of dresser, chest of drawers and vanity, with the same ragged veneer. I’ve had it for 40 years and it’s been well loved. It’s wonderful to see what you did to bring it back to life. I’m so glad you chose the black finish. It looks stunning!

[@margotjones7168]

I'm one of those who prefers refinishing old pieces rather than painting them, BUT in cases like this one that are too far gone, I think painting is great. That black is perfect and this piece turned out absolutely beautiful ❣️

[@vaderladyl]

Maybe here but at other channels that do restoration and restaining, they would have taken this one and done miracles with it, without painting it.

[@jenniferlynn3537]

@@vaderladyl Perhaps - but the time, effort and cost in materials wouldn’t have been worth it it for what the value would end up being. You have to know what you’re looking at when deciding how to make a piece visually appealing. As old and interesting as this dresser is, it was never of high quality to begin with - and with plywood sides, mixed solid wood construction and a replaced drawer interior, it doesn’t qualify as an antique worthy of “restoration.” To try and unify the exterior for staining and varnishing, one would have to veneer the entire outside of it before even beginning to finish it. And because those veneers wouldn’t have been original, it couldn’t be sold as a restored piece, but rather as “refinished” - which is far less desirable to those looking for good antique furniture. Even the lines of the dresser are somewhat a jumble - it doesn’t fit into any particular style such as East Lake, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian, or Edwardian - so it could never really be a “showpiece.” There are no skilled hand-carving elements or interesting curves - it’s just a box with Colonial-style turnings and a simple cut skirt board. An overhaul project like you’re describing would only be warranted if doing it for oneself, or as a gift for someone special. Or if this piece had been in the family for generations and you want to preserve it for posterity. For resale? Painting was the way to go.

[@helentaylor7132]

@@jenniferlynn3537 Spot on!

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

@@jenniferlynn3537 - Hear, hear!! Came down here to say exactly this, including the bit about when you might want to attempt a full restoration regardless of the valuation for sale of the final outcome, so I'll just congratulate you for your excellent summing up and move on! 😘

[@DebraWalls-mc8ez]

I didn't like dark colors on furniture until I saw you re-grande this beauty! ❤🎉

[@tomnesterak1116]

You’ve given this tired piece of furniture a stunning, classic makeover and ensured it has many more years of use. Beautiful work, Katie!

[@lgrondin5890]

I do not think that I would have painted this piece black but when I saw how it evolved, I love the color! Just beautiful

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Black seems to be the go-to color choice of the day...from single pieces of furniture all the way up to entire houses, be they brick or siding...and yes, I'm thinking of that crazy lady who got herself an HG/TV show and went around Chicago (and later the country) painting houses - and much of the furniture and fixtures within - black. There's one of her projects a few blocks from where I live, and all I could think of was "WHYYYYYY???? And it still breaks my heart to think of the episode where she 'sourced' an absolutely gorgeous piece of historical French furnishing with magnificent woodwork, and with a pedigree of royal ownership in its past, and transformed it into a black, muddy mess, obliterating the fine woods and losing all contrast on the intricately carved piece. I still remember the expression on the face of the store owner when she told him she'd take it and then informed him that she was going to paint it black. He looked like he was going to cry.

[@lfuentes4098]

Since it couldn’t be restored, I think the black was an excellent choice. It’s very sophisticated and those beautiful turned legs deserved it. ❤

[@vaderladyl]

It could have been actually, but maybe it was more than her expertise.

[@lfuentes4098]

@@vaderladyl well, I think it could have been more an issue of expense. It was either patch it all over the place with veneer or re-veneer the whole face. Then she would have had to blend in those spots with faux painting. And that would’ve take a lot of time and added expense. So the profit would’ve been less.

[@vaderladyl]

@@lfuentes4098 Yes, the job would be much more involved, and maybe not much profit for this channel, but it would have been so worth to see done. I am used to bigger budget channels doing amazing restorations, and I love to see original color restored by them.

[@stbam1965]

​@@vaderladyl you gotta make money off it .

[@susansawyer2475]

I do not like painted wood on furniture. Painting a piece of furniture reminds me of my grandmother's solution to everything: paint it! That said, given the condition of this piece, I would have painted it too.

[@flippedbyabby]

You are so knowledgeable Katie!! I love hearing about the history and how you determined the era

[@Beruthiel45]

Absolutely perfect result. Love it, another 93 years of life for this lovely little dresser. ☺️💖

[@lesleystanley7698]

Black has brought her back to life. Absolutely stunning 🎉

[@lauraconnelly3232]

Absolutely lovely . I am so impressed that your garage walls are so pristine with no paint splotches!!!!

[@beckykirchner5721]

Right? If I sprayed, especially black, in my garage, it surely would look like a haunted house after!!

[@sheilawilliams2875]

So glad I saw this. I bought a 1930s chest and vanity for my granddaughter today. She wants it painted black, but I didn't want to do that. After seeing this, I am so excited to paint it black. Looks so timeless.

[@scanmead]

You knocked it out of the park again! You're right about it being a great entry table: just the perfect size and no separate mirror necessary.

[@mesquitemagic]

It's so sophisticated now. I love it.

[@jill552]

So cute. You are the queen of saving things from the trash.

[@erinlee7216]

Stunning! Black was the perfect choice!

[@HAGGISWOOMAN]

Absolutely beautiful! I had two of these passed down from great grandma, to grandma, to mother, to me to my daughter! One fell apart, I have one left & this video will help me make it wonderful again! Maybe passed down to a grandchild someday 🤞🏻

[@marymorrison2484]

Honestly it looks better than when it was originally made. The knob combination really does tie together the details of the mirror and the legs. It really looks flawless.

[@trixie9777]

Beautiful❣️ I love how you never skip a step. You put in 💯 to every piece, from cleaning every step of the way to 2 coats of top coat to protect it.

[@gypsydanae]

Colored glass drawer pulls would really pop on this piece. Another successful rehab!

[@karebieringer7003]

What a perfect business relationship! Your friend gets furniture pieces at no cost to you. You get content and income, while saving the piece from the dump. Well done!😊 oh, and I get to watch. Love your videos! 😊😊

[@salvagedbykscott]

Absolutely!!

[@aninasalerno-aita2341]

Black is perfect. It goes with so much, and solves the mishmash of woods because of failing veneer.

[@risenshineministries504]

Absolutely the right choice of color! I just painted my grandma’s antique dining set handed down to me black and I’m in love with it!!!

[@helentaylor7132]

Pained me to read that, but glad you're enjoying it anyway.

[@GradKat]

Wow, that’s GORGEOUS! I get a little nervous when people start “improving” vintage furniture, but this really does look beautiful. Great job!

[@alexandra_sa_lazer]

Everything you touch turns to gold and this is no exception! Absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@salvagedbykscott]

Thank you so much!

[@karenpyra5200]

I had this exact dresser growing up! It was painted white, and I never really thought much of it until years later, visiting my parents and looking at the piece in a whole new light. I thought it was really beautiful. Years later I didn’t know it, but my brother-in-law sold it. You did a beautiful job. The black is perfect… And I love your idea about it being in an entryway… Your talent and your chosen artistry is a gift from God.

[@iammarysue]

I never question your choice of color and design! You are always spot on! Beautiful piece.

[@marilynrowland5197]

Stellar work! A sweet but banged-up old dresser gets a makeover and begins a whole new chapter! Wow!

[@jenxu2]

The black is stunning! You always know just what to do to really bring a piece back to life. That is stunning!

[@michellebryce6110]

As you said the black is a timeless look. Beautiful work restoring this

[@sarahrenfrow9795]

Oh, Katie! How beautiful and the color is perfect. Thanks for sharing this amazing makeover with us.

[@marieb9926]

She's a beauty! You can't go wrong with black.

[@elizabethlacky6068]

Once again, magical! The black definitely made that old dresser look like a million bucks.❤❤❤❤

[@altestevondrei]

Gorgeous. Smooth black finishes are so HARD to pull off ... even with a sprayer. Fantastic job!!

[@aprilm2735]

Beautiful 👌💗💯 I wouldn't do another color...it's perfect.

[@anneporter123]

Agree

[@cindisartors117]

Just beautifully restored. Makes me wish I had it. The black really wouldn't go in my home, a soft white would, it would be beautiful no matter what color you did!!!

[@luciswearingen9932]

My thoughts, also. I was thinking a creamy white, but different drawer pulls. Love Katie’s workmanship!

[@ariannaschafer3326]

Another beautiful job! The color black was a great choice. That seems more age appropriate than the pink you were thinking. I know it's a ton of work, but I loved watching you steam and scrape off all the old veneer. Finally knobs are nuts perfect! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[@DarkHorse-bp3xf]

Fantastic! It's so satisfying to see old (and still very useful) furniture receive a new life.

[@lorimrasek7611]

Wow it looks beautiful I love the old pieces you bring them back to life, when the light was hitting the paint it looked a bit like midnight blue, the colour is perfect. Btw Katie you look fantastic😊

[@louisiananana652]

I am impressed with your attention to every detail, especially the application of beeswax to the drawer runners and the insides of the drawers. Job well done!

[@tommie5967]

I don't care for dark wood or painted furniture ,but this is classy,and elegant I give you two thumbs up.🎉🎉🎉

[@CompostWatcher]

What a beautiful paint.

[@doudou53d44]

I totally agree : the black color absolutely matches this battered piece !! Love it ❤

[@ellendelima3579]

Fantastic recovery and new life you gave to this !!

[@SherriSenel]

It turned out amazing! I love the drawer pulls on the bottom 2 drawers. You updated it but kept it vintage with the color and knobs! I love it!

[@Birdie-qr8nl]

Wow 😳 that's beautiful. You did a wonderful job with that old dresser. Black is the perfect color. The new hardware is a cherry on the top. ❤

[@MarthasMuWz]

Black is very versatile. The knobs are a perfect choice for this dresser.

[@rachelm4325]

Absolutely gorgeous! Coal black is such a beautiful color...one of my faves these days. Your work is impeccable.

[@natalieelisabeth5767]

I absolutely love every choice you made with this piece! The black is perfect and the hardware couldn’t be more beautiful! Fantastic transformation Katie!!!

[@mardigra1916]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@teresaholland4790]

You’re an amazing teacher. Great diction and a damn fine painter. Great job.❤

[@marietteacocella4988]

The old pieces are always the best. Beautifully redone. thanks for showing.

[@janemarlo4978]

Great work showing start to finish in an adequate amount of viewing and narrative time! Plus, excellent refinishing work, too.

[@mariebeveridge9324]

This is so beautiful the black is timeless and given this beautiful old peace a new lease of life. I’ve an old vintage side board am going to attempt to paint watching you has given me a push. 🩵

[@annpotter5366]

I'm usually not a fan of painted older pieces ,but, this is beautiful !! Black was the perfect color. So glad you kept the mirror on it. Also, the hardware is stunning !!!!! Great job !!

[@winterfawn2341]

I was absolutely against the black at first... But by the end... It couldn't be prettier in any other color!!! 😮❤😮❤ You did an awesome job!

[@pamsmith7369]

Love the black! I have black shaker style dressers and they’re timeless! Have mine for over 40 years.

[@pattietierce9557]

You can’t improve on perfection! Thanks for sharing your talent!😊

[@gracieferguson1653]

Absolutely perfect. Black is the best color for this.

[@juliecarlin6006]

Beautifully done, the Black was perfect for this old gal! I love watching you work and I'm always so impressed!

[@CarolHewett-ug2cw]

Thank you for teaching us how to repurpose old furniture.

[@bethanystpaul5683]

I love the black! It's timeless, the matte finish is perfect. A beautifully restored piece ❤❤

[@Kim-vu7kz]

It was strangely satisfying to watch you remove that veneer. The end result was absolutely stunning. Fun to watch you patiently bring this piece back to something it deserves to be. I would definitely put in my entry way! Great job Katie! TFS

[@sandraws]

Amazing renovation! The dresser has come back to life. I really like the black finish as it would fit in to many decor styles. Great job!

[@LawrenceMarshall-rx7bc]

A fantastic job as usual 👏🏻. I agree that the colour is perfect to help this piece slide right into a modern interior. Perfect for an Entry way , just as you said, with a vase of fresh flowers and a basket or bowl to catch keys and drawers to neatly store things that live near the door such as dog leads. Always a fan of your work. 🙏

[@janteynor5524]

Absolutely gorgeous! You couldn’t have chose a better color. I love it. You did such a great job! ❤

[@AnoJanJan]

Stunning!!!! I love the black & if I had to pick another colour, maybe a very dark blue.

[@anaferguson5135]

This color was the right one to use on this piece. It is elegant and like you said "timeless."

[@morr8596]

I think you just nailed it. It is incredible. It is a showpiece with a story.

[@lesliebernard3194]

Black is perfect, but a deep navy blue or very dark grey would also be beautiful. It's a knock-out!

[@sheilalopez7498]

Oh my!!! How talented! 😮

[@kimeverhart6253]

Katie, Before seeing this sweet little dresser, I probably would not have chosen black for its new color. However, now, I can’t imagine it being anything but this gorgeous, buttery color!! It’s beautiful, like all of your pieces!! I absolutely love that you take the time to clean and wax the inside of the drawers as well…I see this as the mark of a true professional!! Love this!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🥰❤️

[@christiemay4444]

Beautiful finish! Black is perfect, especially with the hardware you choose. Love how detail oriented you are.

[@shellyannray3601]

I think it black is perfect!! You did a fabulous job on this vanity!!! ❤

[@shawnaball1469]

That hardware just sets off the color, pulls it all together. Looks great!

[@sarahwhiting325]

You are so clever this is a beautifully transformed dressing table with a new lease of life. The black is a perfect shade as you say it’s timeless

[@loveliveholistically]

Just Beautiful. Thank you.

[@susanhamilton1822]

I have almost the exact same dresser from my Grandmother but mine has been cared for and is near perfect condition. It has always had brass hardware and has a sea shell carving at the top instead of a flower.

[@6spring3]

Wow! You’ve paid attention to every detail. Your careful work produced a beautiful piece.

[@heathercaldera1475]

Beautiful work! Color and especially knobs. Elegant! I very much appreciate your camera work and edits, and I also appreciate you sharing your acquired knowledge and decision making process throughout the stages with us!

[@castaway132]

You’ve given me ideas - I have one of these dressers from my Grandmother and I had no idea how to fix it up. Thank you. Love the black color. Gives it a timeless elegance look.

[@charlottefreeman3756]

I have an entire bedroom set that is just like this and is still in very good condition. I got it from my grandmother who lived in Claiborne County Mississippi. I felt like it was purchased in the early 30’s! I need to check the back of the glass. Thanks for sharing your renovation.

[@rebeccaschenck2354]

I had the exact same dresser. Picked it up about 40 years ago, but had to leave it behind when I moved. Your restoration is exactly what I wanted to do with mine. Even down to the hardware. It’s a beautiful restoration.😊

[@suzannedeboer4556]

Beautiful. Perfect color. And you are so good about proper prep and not cutting any corners. Very well done.

[@terrim.602]

Wow!! I absolutely love the black on this one! And the knobs and pulls are perfect!!

[@janetrodriguez914]

Katie, that piece is absolutely gorgeous now. Love it. Great job!

[@sylviaboudreau5967]

I think you did a beautiful job Katie. I will be interested in any furniture restorations that come along again.

[@leslieblackshear802]

Simply gorgeous! Black is perfection

[@verenamaharajah6082]

So in 7 years, it will be a genuine antique! I love painted furniture. Great tip about tinting the polyurethane coating .

[@alenac.3934]

Beautifully done! I am a perfectionist and I am truly wowed by the absolutely flawless finish of the piece. All thumbs up!

[@HomeAgainLiving]

Black is fantastic! I love that you create a story to go with the piece.

[@BreJo710]

Right choice, beautiful as it retains a wood like aura but with a modern touch. Nice job!